'Elf on the Shelf' is a scout elf who travels to the North Pole every night to report to Santa

CLEVELAND - “Elf on the Shelf” is an interactive Christmas tradition that helps Santa know who to put on the naughty and nice lists.

According to the official website , “Elf on the Shelf” is a scout elf, who flies back to the North Pole on a nightly basis to report to Santa and lets him know whether you’ve been naughty or nice.

These nightly visits help Santa and your elf keep a daily record of when you’re good and when you’re bad. The elf returns home early the following morning in a new location to keep an eye on you.

There are several rules to managing the elf, however, the main rule is not to touch it. If a scout elf is touched, it loses its Christmas magic. If an elf has been touched, sprinkling cinnamon beside it before you go to bed will restore its magic.

You can see our gallery of elf photos here http:// on.wews.com/RI1b6a or you can submit your own photos here http://on.wews.com/VQzea5 . We may use your photos in our newscasts and online.